Expert reviews and ratings

When the timer starts clicking down, though, and you're swallowed by the swarm of overlapping cars excitedly sniffing out split second gains, and when the thick sun breaks over the impossible crest of a skyward road, a certain dishevelled Gallic charm snaps into focus. TrackMania 2 Valley's another Nadeo title as brilliant as it is scruffy, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Valley may not be a significant evolution over past TrackMania titles -- right down to the clunky menus -- but it was never trying to be; instead, what we have here is one of the strongest installments in the series, with impressive visuals, cars that are fun to drive and a wealth of customization options.

I don’t think Valley is the strongest of the three games which make up Trackmania 2 but you will still have fun if you play it. I certainly did, and will continue to do so. Now, if you’ll let me, I’m going to go and conquer that wall ride that’s been bugging me.

I certainly recommend it for fans; for newcomers, I’d say start with TrackMania 2 Canyon, or even pick up the great-value-for-your-money TrackMania United Forever and see if you like that. If you do, then you’ll love what is to come. I just hope there is a surprise in store for the next release in the TrackMania 2 series.

Trackmania 2 has already solidified itself as an easily-accessible-yet-tough-to-master racing game from the folks over at Nadeo. Falling under the umbrella of Mania titles, Trackmania 2 Valley provides a slightly more realistic take on the crazy racer...